Richie Dixon has resigned as coach of Scotland, just nine days before his country's opening Five Nations match against Ireland in Dublin.

Assistant coach David Johnston has also quit, but Arthur Hastie remains as team manager, according to the Scottish Rugby Union. A new structure will be announced today. The move comes in the wake of Scotland's embarrassing 25-21 defeat by Italy in Treviso last Saturday.

"It has to be recognised that, following a period in which the national side has failed to perform, it is time for a change," said Duncan Paterson, chairman of the SRU executive board.

"I would like to record sincere thanks to both Richie and David in what has been a difficult period for Scottish rugby."